My Vintage Bicycle

Monday, 12 September 2016

Before I met the boyfriend I hadn't rode a bicycle in years but because he works in the bike industry I have fell in love with cycling all over again plus it's good for you. Where I live in Stratford Upon Avon we have the countryside on our doorstep so owning a bike is a necessity for exploring and avoiding the traffic jams if you want to get into town quickly.

Having set up alerts on ebay and continually scrolling through the selling pages in Stratford looking for a vintage ladies bike I finally came across a listing for a Raleigh Burgundy Bike from 1989 (older than me) for just £40! The lady selling the bike had originally bought it in Ireland but had only rode it around 10 times so the bike was in perfect condition.

This is how the Raleigh bike looked when I bought it the burgundy and white complimented each other well but I just didn't like the drop handlebars and wanted to add my own personal touches to my new bike.

After the bike had a little makeover with a new Brooks B66S saddle and tape in a honey colour. I also added a little purse on the back of the seat and a bike bell and eventually I would like a wooden box/basket on the back.

Having bought this before the August bank holiday weekend I was eager to take it for a spin so we rode along the canal in Stratford upon Avon to Wilmcote (be warned its up hill but only takes about 15 minutes) then we stopped for a drink and some pictures outside Mary Arden's farm (Shakespeare's mother).

For the bike ride I even planned an outfit that was made for this burgundy bike - a pink nautical playsuit from ASOS. I love the cropped leg length and the rope belt.

Lovely photos. How wonderful it would be to cycle through the English countryside. I live to cycle, and we have some wonderful cycling trails and picturesque country roads here. But nothing like in your part of the world. Thanks for this.